Moapa Valley Performing Arts Council: Nelson Family Band

Last night Dustin and his family performed as apart of the Moapa Valley Performing Arts Council. It was an amazing night!
Not only did Dustin and his mom, dad and sisters play various instruments, but aunts, uncles, cousin, children and grandma joined in as well!!
I married into quite a talented family!

Jill, Dustin, Gaye, Jack and Kristi

My Cowboys

The performance showcased the evolution of music throughout the family. It began with Gaye's great grandma teaching piano and playing in the dance bands. almost 100 years ago. So the first few numbers were dance songs! Kristi's in-law, Bevin and Kathy Dalley, along with Gary and Kay Batchelor danced on stage!

Bevin and Kathy can really move!

Singing is also a big part of the family's heritage. Uncle Bruce, Gaye, Aunt Susan, Jill and Grandma Connie singing A Lad and A Lass.

Gaye and Jill during Jill's amazing violin solo

Gaye playing the harpsichord she got during her mission in Dallas, Texas

This is a video of the Eight Hand Duet played by Gaye, Aunt Susan, Aunt Judy and Grandma Connie. All those piano lessons have truly paid off!

During a set change, Jack and Gaye honored Dr. Moses. Dr. Moses has been a strong supporter of the Nelson Family band over the years and helped form the Performing Arts Council. When the Nelson family was young and Dustin was around the age of 6, he didn't want to play at one of their shows (reminds anyone of Mark??) and Dr. Moses bribed him with a Silver Dollar. As a thank you for all his support and love, Jack presented him with the same Silver Dollar from long ago!

Jill played two songs that she wrote.

Such a talented, beautiful, strong, amazing woman!

I think she should sell this one to Taylor Swift!

Then the boys jumped back on stage for the Bluegrass songs!

Jack is such a showman :)

Gaye and Grandma Connie Whitney

Jill and Kristi fiddlin' away!

Jack and Dustin

Then the kids joined the fun!

They did so good! Not one of them ran off the stage crying. Watch the video for a laugh or two. They are quite the entertainers!!

To end the show, the whole family joined in to sing the song Country Roads. It was beautiful!

Well everyone except this guy! Jackson found someone's soda and decided he needed a break from singing!

Dr. Moses still gives Dustin a dollar at every performance he attends.

He even gave Mark the Silver Dollar -- as to maintain tradition I guess!
Allie posing by her violin.

I'm so proud of my kids. I love them so much. Maybe next year Luke can join the fun.
But many thanks to Justin and Missy for staying home and watching him!

The kids and their adoring fans -- Aunt Marie and

Papa Stan and Grandma Lana!

It was a great evening. I'm so proud of my family, the did such a great job!!

Ooops, I did it again!

Oh no, I'm blogging about Luke again! Lol! Oh well ;)
I just took these pictures today and I love them so much I can wait to share.

We started off kinda rough...

but once we added the tractor to the photos, Luke was a happy boy!




He's so bull-legged! I don't know whether to laugh or be worried!


This one makes me smile.. ha ha! Vrooom, vrooooom!






And some funnies.. The one on the right is precious to me because that is how he runs when he really wants me to hold him.. like a little zombie with his arms out. Love it!


I think we did pretty good! This one is my very favorite.


Can't believe my baby is ONE!!! Sure love ya Lukester!

A Year of Luke

Okay, so I just realized that all my posts as of late... when I even do post... have been about Mr. Lukester! I apologize to my other three and a half children. I do love them too!! There has just been lots going on and no time to blog and when there is time and I'm not sleeping its about updates on Luke. I promise the other kiddos will get some screen time soon.

I plan to do a pregnancy update as well, for those who are curious about babe numero cinco. But I digress because this post is about Luke!! A whole year of him. I love looking at old photos and seeing how my kids change and grow. So I thought my friends and family might enjoy this as well!

Luke was born January 17, 2011 6:50 AM, weighing 8lbs 8oz and measuring 20 inches

Luke was given a name and a blessing by his father on March 9, 2011

Luke was an easy and happy baby right off!

At five months Luke started eating solid foods and he rolled over!

At six months Luke started tummy crawling and then at seven months he started pulling himself up in his crib.

At nine month, Luke started walking (my youngest walker yet)! He also started getting into everything, with his new found mobility, and earned himself the nickname "The Tiny Terrorist." We also found out that Luke would be a big brother this month!

At eleven months Luke got his first hair cut! It was like he grew up in a split second, crazy how less hair makes a kid seem older.

Now if I could ever find a spare moment when Luke is clean, awake and happy, I'll get his one year pictures taken. We might have to settle for another tub shot.. lol. At least he'd hold still!

But there was my baby's year in review. I'm excited to see what the next year brings!!!

Luke's First Birthday!! {The Party}

My baby is ONE!!! Yes, ONE YEAR OLD today!
I can't believe it.

That had to have been the fastest year ever.

I think everyone will agree... yes, yes.. okay moving on to the party!

We celebrated Luke's birthday this past Saturday.
I wanted to keep the cake simple but fun. So I did a white cake and colored the layers John Deere green and yellow, chocolate frosting and a tractor on top. Easy and cute!

Luke had no clue what to do with burning food.. so he starred at Allie and Mark hoping one of them would jump in to save him. Which they did and blew out all his candles. I don't know why I put six candles on a one year old's cake, but I did.

Then Papa Stan fed Luke spoonfuls of sugar! No wonder Luke loves him ;)

Next he opened his presents. He got lots of fun stuff and actually did a lot of the unwrapping!

Toys, toys toys!

Dustin and I got him this little tractor. He loved it! It was a hit with all the kids actually :D

Dad and Luke chillin' at the after party!

Thanks to all our family for coming and loving our little cowboy!
Happy birthday Luker-man!!! We love ya!

Luke - 11 months - Hair Cut!

I missed Luke's 11 month update here on the blog, because the 17th was right during the height of our family's battle with the stomach flu. So a little late is better than never!

At 11 months Luke
-- is 30 inches long
-- weighs 24 pounds
-- had his first MRI
(doc said he thought Luke had a big head and wanted him check. It turned out fine, thank Heaven!)
-- talks and babbles like crazy
-- started throwing fits.. terrible two's are on their way already, lol!
-- loves Estefan so much and tries to save him when he and dad wrestle
-- follows Mark around everywhere
-- is still Allie's baby doll

and

-- got his first hair cut!

Look at all that hair!!!

Before and After!

We think he looks pretty dang handsome!

Love you Lukerman!
Can't believe 1 year is just around the corner!!